Cuban, Bolivian leaders meet on bilateral relations

Cuban First Vice President Jose Ramon Machado Ventura held talks on Monday with Bolivian Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera, who started a visit to the country Sunday.

During the meeting both officials "reaffirmed the excellent state of the friendship and cooperation relations between La Paz and Havana, and reiterated the readiness of their governments to further deepen the bilateral ties," an official press release said.

The exchange also provided an opportunity to address other issues of regional and international levels, the release added.

Cuba and Bolivia are part of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), a block for trade and political integration created by Venezuela and Cuba.

The Cuban government has carried out an important health care program in Bolivia, including free eye operations throughout the country, since President Evo Morales took office in January 2006.

Source: Xinhua